Welcome
Welcome to Managed Mentoring (MM).
Perhaps you just found us, or maybe you have a little background on the program and you are considering it for learning how to keep bees. Whatever your circumstance, we will begin by sharing that we have designed this program for you because we want to limit the struggles that are customary to becoming a new beekeeper and foster competent beekeepers.
Learning how to keep bees is a bit challenging as there are not many life experiences that can be leveraged when trying to grasp how to manage stinging insects in a hive. Normally you could buy a book, or take some training and then work your way through it, but the truth is most new beekeepers find frustration in the lack of support with that approach.
Our program is different in that it is designed to supply the expertise and support you throughout your journey of learning. Unlike customary two-day starter courses, we stay with you and provide instructions on what to do next, while taking the time to teach you why you are doing what you are doing. If that sounds good to you, then take a moment to get familiar with some of the basics of the program and fill out our entry form to register with us.
Opening
“BORN IN” NEW JERSEY
This program has been under development for a few years on limited release. In 2023 we are going off ‘pilot’ and expanding availability to all New Jersey beekeepers.
NOT NJ BASED? CAN YOU CAN STILL JOIN IN? Yes, with a Caveat
If you are outside of New Jersey, and especially if you are from the Mid-Atlantic region, you are welcome to participate. Please recognize however that the instruction and lessons delivered are geared toward NJ beekeepers. A very large percentage of what we will teach applies to everyone. In some instances, as you will learn, your location will mean the instructions are not going to work for you. Please keep this in mind as you consider the program.
DIRECT MENTOR VISITS
As you will learn, this program has a mentor visit aspect. At this time this is only offered to the Northwest New Jersey Beekeeper’s Association branch members.
This means that registered members of that organization who live in Hunterdon and Warren Counties can participate in receiving in-person mentors at their homes if they wish to have that.
We understand that this might be disappointing to those not eligible for in-person visits but we are confident that the overall benefit of what you will learn is well worth your time and that is why we have opened it up this year to the New Jersey / Mid-Atlantic Region.
FURTHER STIPULATIONS IN THE PROGRAM
In the spirit of being transparent, there are a few more stipulations to disclose, but for now, let’s take a moment to outline the program and we will come back to those in a little bit.
What is Managed Mentoring – How will it benefit you?
TRAINING DURING YOUR JOURNEY
It is likely that you have done some digging on the beginnings of how to become a beekeeper. Whether you are learning on your own, planning to take a formal beginners course, or choosing some other path, we know believe you will benefit greatly from having access to resources as you learn the craft.
Beekeeper training is often not designed that way. It will be hard to find programs that will provide timely guidance along the path of your learning. Most beginner courses teach you a handful of things over the course of a few days and then you are on your own.
A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM TO SUPPORT YOU
Thinking differently, why should you struggle? We have observed the frustration and anxiety of new beekeepers as they experience the steep learning curve and if we could be there for you we would map out the landmines to avoid, and give you timely, practical advice. When it comes down to it, the managed mentoring program is just that. We provide insights and guidance for every step of your growth and as you follow the program you will feel prepared and well-versed as to what comes next.
CONTENT FOCUSED FOR THE TASK AT HAND – NO FLUFF
You will find that we have designed the courseware to be succinct, and direct. We do not elaborate on the things that are interesting, but frankly not relevant, as we go along. We stay on task for the job at hand. In time we cover a lot of ground and make no mistake it has to be said that there is quite a bit of time required to follow the program.
By our way of thinking, you will invest the time to learn anyway, the effort cannot be avoided if you are to become a competent beekeeper. Our hope is that you will trust us and follow our program as you learn the craft.
How does the Program Operate?
SOME RELEVANT DETAILS ABOUT HOW THE PROGRAM OPERATES
WHAT DOES IT COST?
It is free. We have to train our beekeepers and while we are doing it, we are opening the program to others. The costs of operation are being borne by the creator and the Northwest Beekeepers Association contracted services. In time we may seek some support from underwriters (industry sponsorships) but we have zero plans to charge for this program (ever).
HOW IS THE TRAINING DELIVERED?
At the core of the program are lessons provided via YouTube-hosted videos. As a participant, we ask you to watch a handful of video lessons and then come to a live online hosted meeting twice a month. The schedules will be posted here on the website.
In the live meeting, we review the content of the lessons and facilitate a question and answer exchange to ensure everyone is confident about what they learned and any instructions needed to accomplish the tasks ahead.
IN PERSON COMPONENT
For those that qualify the program is supplemented with in-person visits where Mentors come to your apiary and ensure that you are on the right track and to provide you some guidance in monitoring for varroa, inspections, and other aspects that are appropriate for the time of the visit.
For those participating with the model agency (Northwest NJ Beekeepers), the program is also supplemented with field lessons in the training apiaries.
KICKOFF AND INTRODUCTION MEETING
The program kicks off with an online meeting that outlines the program with some more details and then as each phase progresses you review the course lesson on video and come to the online meeting twice a week over the timeline for the program track you are in.
Participation
HOW TO SIGN UP….
SIGN ME UP
For many of you, that is all you need, and if you are interested, submit the form below.
If you in advance of the introductory session you will get an invite to participate. If it is past the program start date, we will send you an email with some instructions on how to engage in the program.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
If you in advance of the introductory session you will get an invite to participate. If it is past the program start date, we will send you an email with some instructions on how to engage in the program.
Note: The response email will have some details about the Zoom service, and how to use it, in case you are not familiar with it.
Further Exploration
Explore Further – Learn More
We know this was a long read…. Still, if you are still interested in some additional information, or you have questions that we have not answered yet, click the link below to visit a page that has additional information to review.
Expanded Get Started Information Page